Finding Your Stud

Most home improvement projects require you to have specific tools. In order to find a stud in your home, you may think you need a stud finder. If you don’t need to find a stud often, though, you may not be able to justify the purchase. There are ways you can find the studs using an old-fashioned way. This requires you to have some basic information on how your wall is constructed. There are many similarities throughout homes when it comes to wall construction.

Windows and doors are typically mounted beside a stud. Also, most light switches and outlets have a stud directly to their left or right. The trim in your home is typically nailed to a stud. Using this base knowledge and the tips below, you should be able to find a stud no time without a stud finder.

Corner Measurements

You can calculate where a stud is in your home by measuring from a corner in the room. Rooms are typically built with studs that are 16 inches on center, so at least one corner will have a stud 16 inches from it. Try knocking on the wall to determine if the side you are on has a stud 16 inches from the corner.

Use the Trim

The trim in your home is attached to the studs. Look closely at your baseboards to see if you can determine where the nails were inserted. Most contractors will paint over the dimples, so you may have to look very closely. When you find a nail hole, or dimple, then you have found a stud. After you look at the first one, you can find the additional studs by measuring in 16 inch increments.

Switches

As stated before, light switches and outlets are mounted on a stud. Tap directly beside the outlet to determine which side has the stud support. Once you find a stud, measure using your 16 inch increments to find the rest of them on the wall.

Conclusion

As you can see, it’s not too difficult to find a stud in your wall without using a stud finder. Save the money you would use to purchase one for further home-improvement renovations.